Soccer: Twin aims for Italian captain

Italy captain Paolo Maldini aims to break the record for the most appearances in matches at the finals for two good reasons.

German Lothar Matthaeus, who played in 25 games between 1982 and 1998, holds the mark. Maldini has 19 appearances from the past three tournaments.

If the Italian left back featured in seven games in Japan and South Korea - every match including the final - he would break Matthaeus' record.

Asked whether he considered the milestone an important personal target, Maldini said: "Yes, I think it is. Also because breaking it would mean that Italy would have reached the final."

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